What is the donation received by the College of Charleston?

The College of Charleston is set to receive a major gift from Beemok, the family office of Benjamin and Kelly Navarro, to enable the expansion of the College's School of Business into an iconic location in Charleston.

What is the significance of the Carroll Building?

The Carroll Building has been described by Benjamin Navarro as 'one of the ugliest buildings in all of downtown' and is situated at 'one of the most dangerous intersections.' It has been purchased by Beemok and will be donated to facilitate business school expansion.

How will the new business school benefit students?

Plans for the new business school include state-of-the-art classrooms and collaborative spaces with access to local and global business leaders, enhancing opportunities for experiential learning and internships for students.

What is the current student enrollment in the School of Business?

Enrollment in the College of Charleston's School of Business has grown by 39% in recent years, rising to 2,557 students in 2024.

What historical significance does the Carroll Building have?

The Carroll Building was built by Thomas W. Carroll in the early 1900s and previously housed the Art Institute of Charleston, which closed in 2018.

October 22, 2025

College of Charleston Receives Major Donation for Business School Expansion

Charleston, October 22, 2025

News Summary

The College of Charleston has been granted a significant donation from Beemok, facilitating the expansion of its School of Business. The donation includes the Carroll Building, an abandoned property that will be redeveloped into a modern educational space. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities for students, providing access to advanced classrooms and influential business leaders, thereby aligning with Charleston’s vibrant business community. The project also involves environmental cleanup and historic preservation efforts for the site.

Charleston

The College of Charleston has announced a significant contribution from Beemok, the family office of Benjamin and Kelly Navarro, which will facilitate the expansion of the College’s School of Business. The Navarro family is donating the Carroll Building, an abandoned property located at the intersection of Market Street and East Bay Street.

This donation is poised to enhance the College’s School of Business, as the new site will be positioned near the entrance of Union Pier. Plans for the updated business school include state-of-the-art classrooms, collaborative spaces, and access to local and global business leaders. This transformation aims to capitalize on Charleston’s vibrant business environment.

The Carroll Building has been described as “one of the ugliest buildings in all of downtown” by Benjamin Navarro, who noted that it is located at “one of the most dangerous intersections.” Previously vacated for several years, the building will undergo an environmental cleanup as part of the redevelopment process. The majority of the structure, which contains elements from the 1980s, is likely to be demolished.

According to the College of Charleston President, Andrew T. Hsu, the Navarro family’s generosity will benefit students immensely by providing greater access to Charleston’s business ecosystem. Paul Schwager, dean of the School of Business, praised the move as a “game-changer,” indicating that it will significantly enhance opportunities for experiential learning and internships. Enrollment in the College of Charleston’s School of Business has surged by 39% in recent years, reaching 2,557 students in 2024.

The Carroll Building, which was constructed in the early 1900s by Thomas W. Carroll, previously housed the Art Institute of Charleston until its closure in 2018. The mayor of Charleston, William Cogswell, commented on the necessity of improving the site, considering the college’s plans as a “great use” of the property. Ongoing discussions about revitalizing the section of Market Street east of East Bay further reflect the community’s commitment to urban development.

Additionally, the Carroll Building site is under a preservation easement managed by the Historic Charleston Foundation, ensuring that any renovations adhere to the area’s historical significance. The donation is regarded as “transformational” by the College of Charleston and aligns with the city’s vision for educational and business growth, contributing to Charleston’s development as an innovative hub.

Key Features of the Beemok Donation

Donor: Beemok, family office of Benjamin and Kelly Navarro
Property: Carroll Building on Market Street and East Bay Street
Use: Expansion of College of Charleston’s School of Business
Future Plans: State-of-the-art classrooms and collaborative spaces
Benefits: Enhanced student opportunities for experiential learning and internships
Historical Context: Originally built in early 1900s, previously an Art Institute
Community Engagement: Ongoing revitalization discussions for Market Street
Environmental Considerations: Building to undergo cleanup and potential demolition

Conclusion

This generous donation from the Navarro family signifies a pivotal moment for the College of Charleston and its School of Business, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to education and community development in Charleston.

FAQ

What is the donation received by the College of Charleston?: The College of Charleston is set to receive a major gift from Beemok, the family office of Benjamin and Kelly Navarro, to enable the expansion of the College’s School of Business into an iconic location in Charleston.
What is the significance of the Carroll Building?: The Carroll Building has been described by Benjamin Navarro as “one of the ugliest buildings in all of downtown” and is situated at “one of the most dangerous intersections.” It has been purchased by Beemok and will be donated to facilitate business school expansion.
How will the new business school benefit students?: Plans for the new business school include state-of-the-art classrooms and collaborative spaces with access to local and global business leaders, enhancing opportunities for experiential learning and internships for students.
What is the current student enrollment in the School of Business?: Enrollment in the College of Charleston’s School of Business has grown by 39% in recent years, rising to 2,557 students in 2024.
What historical significance does the Carroll Building have?: The Carroll Building was built by Thomas W. Carroll in the early 1900s and previously housed the Art Institute of Charleston, which closed in 2018.

Chart of Key Features

Feature	Description
Donor	Beemok, family office of Benjamin and Kelly Navarro
Property	Carroll Building on Market Street and East Bay Street
Use	Expansion of College of Charleston’s School of Business
Future Plans	State-of-the-art classrooms and collaborative spaces
Historical Context	Originally built in early 1900s, previously an Art Institute